Fever
What Is a Fever?
A fever is when the body's temperature
is higher than normal due to an infection. A normal temperature is under
38 degrees Celsius.
What Causes Fever?
A fever is a sign of infection
in the body. Infections, usually due to viruses or bacteria, cause a rise
in body temperature. The fever is a way in which the body fights infection.
A fever is not dangerous and does not always mean that your child has a
serious illness.
The body responds to fever by increasing heart rate, breathing rate and
blood circulation to the skin, in an attempt to reduce body heat. A child
with a fever will feel hot and will look flushed. There may or may not be
specific signs of the associated infection.
How Is Infection Treated?
Usually, the infection is caused
by a virus and antibiotics do not help viral infections. If the infection
is bacterial it can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
What to do if you’re Child
Has a Fever
If your child seems well and
is happy there is no need to treat a fever.
You can make your child more comfortable by:
● Dressing your child in light clothing.
● Giving your child frequent drinks (clear fluid,
preferably water).
● Giving paracetamol (for example, Panadol, Dymadon,
Tempra) if the fever is making your child irritable. Give paracetamol in
the correct dose up to every four hours, but not more than four doses in
24 hours. Do not give regular paracetamol medicine for more than 24 hours.
● Keeping your child cool.
● If your child is three months or younger, take
them to your doctor.
You may wonder if you should give your child a cold bath or sponge your
child with cold water. Do not do this. Cold water cools the skin and makes
children shiver, but the body temperature still stays high.
What Is a Febrile Convulsion?
Sometimes a fever can lead to
a convulsion. About three per cent of young children will have a febrile
convulsion at some time. Convulsions are not dangerous. But it is important
to know what a convulsion is, just in case your child has one.
Convulsions are also known as fits or seizures. A convulsion is when a child
suddenly jerks or twitches, may appear to have difficulty breathing, and
becomes unconscious. After a convulsion, the child will be sleepy for a
while, and then return to normal. Most fevers will not cause a febrile convulsion.
A convulsion can be a frightening experience for parents, but it is important
to remember that your child will not be harmed. Convulsions will not cause
brain damage, epilepsy or death.
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